INFLUENCE OF THE STERILIZATION PROCESS ON ALGINATE DISPERSIONS

The influence of different sterilization procedures on alginate disper sions was studied by measuring viscosity and molecular weight changes. Autoclaving caused a 64% decrease in viscosity. Heating at a low temp erature over several cycles was less efficient in sterilizing alginate s and there was a progressive breakdown of the alginate chain over the succeeding cycles. Heating during ethylene oxide sterilization also r esulted in reduced viscosity and breakdown. Membrane filtration yielde d a sterile product with no significant reduction in viscosity or mol. wt.